Syracuse, NY -- Christopher Deverso was supposed to be sentenced today to probation with six months of jail time for scheming to torch a pair of 1967 Chevrolet Camaros to collect insurance money.

But Deverso left visibly shaken after County Court Judge Joseph Fahey suggested that he was more inclined to let the case go to trial.

The judge's remark came after a short exchange with Deverso's lawyer, Scott Brenneck, over the amount of restitution Deverso could pay. Brenneck declined to say what caused the problem.

Deverso had pleaded guilty to attempted arson in return for a sentence of five years' probation, with the first six months to be served in jail. He also promised to pay an amount not to exceed $10,000 for damage to others' property as a result of the fire.

Authorities said the two Camaros had a combined value of about $80,000. Deverso promised to sign paperwork releasing his insurance companies from paying any claims he made on the Camaros.

But that deal was apparently in jeopardy after the judge's remarks. Instead, Fahey adjourned the case until next week to determine how to proceed.

Brenneck left the courthouse with Deverso and his family, declining comment about what happened.

Before Deverso was accused of hiring another man to set fire to a 40-bay garage at Norstar Apartments, in Clay, he was best known as the outspoken father of a girl killed in a drunken driving crash and fighting the state over the threatened destruction of his beloved snakehead fish, Rocky.

In court today, Deverso wore a yellow T-shirt that read: "In Loving Memory, Victoria Deverso," with the date she died, May 24, 2010.

Today marked the second time Deverso's case has been adjourned after his August plea.